Winter is in full swing (well, sort of), love is in the air, and the cherry blossoms are set to bloom soon, which could only mean one thing: February is upon us! Whether you’re looking for some winter fun or a little romance, you’re bound to find something that tickles your fancy in this Secret D.C. roundup of all of the best things to do in D.C. this February:
1. Honor Black History Month
February is Black History Month, and in a city as steeped in history as D.C. there are numerous ways to commemorate it—from museums, to exhibits, to patronizing local businesses, and more! Here are a few happenings and ways to honor the struggles and achievements of the Black community:
- Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
- Check out one of these exhibits/plays:
- “Black Like Me” at the Zenith Gallery.
- “The High Ground” at Arena Stage.
- “Wild Seeds of the Soufside” at Phillips@THEARC.
- “Called to Create: Black Artists of the American South” at the National Gallery of Art.
- Patronize the Sweet Home Café for its Black History Month Chef’s Table.
2. Celebrate Valentine’s Day at one of D.C.’s most romantic restaurants
Valentine’s Day is an important day for a lot of couples as a result is something that requires careful and thoughtful planning in advance, so if you are interested in booking a dinner at one of D.C.’s most romantic restaurants be sure to book your table well in advance! That being said, fine wining and dining is not and should not be limited only to one day, so even if you can’t make a reservation for Valentine’s Day, don’t shy away from making a reservation for another day this February!
3. Stimulate your senses by dining in the dark
Looking for an exciting surprise? What’s more exciting than a blindfolded dinner? Dining in the Dark allows you to pick a surprise three-course meal based on your dietary preferences (green for vegan, blue for seafood, or red for meat) that will stimulate your senses!
4. Enjoy the sounds of classical music by candlelight
The Fever Originals Candlelight series is the perfect way to unwind. You can lose yourself in classical renditions of your favorite tunes amid soft candlelight. With multiple genres and musical themes to choose from, there’s bound to be a concert that’s perfect for you!
- Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special ft. “Romeo and Juliet” and More
- Candlelight: Best of Hip-Hop on Strings
- Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and More
5. Hit the ice at one of these magnificent skating rinks
The weather is getting colder, winter is upon us, and what better way to take it all in than with a favorite winter pastime: ice skating! Luckily, there are several easily accessible ice rinks around Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area. Check out some of our favorite ice rinks below, and you can find the full list here:
- National Gallery and Sculpture Garden Rink
- Washington Harbour Ice Rink
- The Wharf Ice Rink
6. Experience Shakespeare like never before
“All the world’s a stage,” and Drunk Shakespeare D.C. is hitting the stage like you’ve never experienced before! Grab a drink yourself and watch five classically-trained (and intoxicated) actors attempt to recreate some of Shakespeare’s most famous works to hilarious results!
7. Immerse all your senses at the Dopamine Land interactive exhibit
Truly one of the most unique and exciting immersive experiences to come to D.C. in recent memory, Dopamine Land is a must-visit for all Washingtonians and is perfect for any occasion whether it be with friends, family, or loved ones! The space not only makes for an incredible visual experience but the photo-friendly atmosphere helps you take plenty of pictures to ensure you make a memory that you won’t ever forget!
8. Visit the “Future of Orchids” exhibit at the Kogod Courtyard of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
You don’t have to be a plant lover to appreciate the peacefulness and tranquility that a room full of orchids has to offer! So even though this is an absolute must-visit for any plant lovers in D.C. this week, the fact remains that this is a great plan to keep in your back pocket for any Washingtonian to do with friends or even for a unique date idea!
The exhibit, which is a collaboration between the U.S. Botanical Garden and the Smithsonian Gardens, just recently opened on January 27th and will remain open until April, 28th. The exhibit features hundreds of live orchids as well as multi-media contemporary art pieces that convey the importance and necessity of environmental activism to ensure a sustainable future for these beautiful plants.
The good news is that if you can’t make it this week, no worries, but it’s a great spot to keep in mind in case you are looking for something fun!
📍8th Street Northwest &, G St NW
9. Embrace the prehistoric at Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience
Have you ever wished you could interact with dinosaurs? Well, now is your chance! This exhibit features 80 prehistoric specimens and even a virtual aquarium so you can interact with these magnificent creatures from millions of years ago.
10. Keep cozy with one of these delicious hot chocolates
Credit: Ice Cream JubileeAs the weather begins to get colder and we wake to frost layering the ground and cars, we’re officially entering hot chocolate season! A tasty, chocolatey cup of sweet goodness is key to keeping warm during cold D.C. winters and even boosting one’s intelligence! Here’s a sneak peek of some of our favorite D.C. spots to grab a cup of hot chocolate, and you can find the full list here:
- L.A. Burdick
- Colada Shop
- Sticky Fingers Diner
11. Immerse yourself in renowned art
What could be more awe-inspiring than immersing yourself in your favorite art? Monet: The Immersive Experience allows you to do just that! The exhibit opens on February 16th and uses incredible floor-to-ceiling projections to showcase Claude Monet’s most famous works, allowing you to completely immerse yourself in a number of his masterpieces.
12. Go on a nice walk to see some of D.C.’s most romantic spots
If you’d like to make Valentine’s Day special without having to spend a lot of money taking the time to plan a short activity like a walk around D.C.’s most romantic spots is a perfect way to make the day memorable show your significant other that you care. There are so many cute spots around this city that people might not be familiar with and planning a picnic or even just a simple walk through some of these spots could be the perfect way to enjoy an evening with your partner.
13. Delight at the sights of this Winter Lantern Festival
The Winter Lantern Festival is one of the most eye-catching and picturesque outdoor experiences currently occurring in D.C. and it will only be around until February 18th! While the Winter Lantern Festival has been an annual event for the past few years, you’ll still want to experience this before it closes for the season!
📍8025 Galleria Drive, Tysons, VA 22102